Zoomark Bologna
Published on
16/01/17
Latest news
EPO at the International Pet Conference 2026: Responsible Animal Sourcing & the Future of the Pet Industry
EPO was pleased to participate in the International Pet Conference 2026, held in Copenhagen on 13–14 October, bringing together leading representatives from across the international pet industry to exchange views on the sector's challenges, opportunities and future. EPO was represented by its President, Svein A. Fosså, and Secretary General, Nathalie Gamain, who contributed to the conference programme on 13 October through a dedicated session entitled “Responsible Animal Sourcing: Securing the Future of the Pet Industry”. Addressing an audience of approximately 160 industry representatives, including manufacturers, distributors and retailers, Svein A. Fosså highlighted a fundamental message: the future of the pet industry depends on the animals themselves. His presentation emphasised the importance of ensuring a sustainable supply of responsibly sourced animals and preserving the diversity of species that people can responsibly keep as pets. These considerations are essential not only for animal welfare but also for the long-term sustainability of the entire pet sector. The presentation was followed by a moderated discussion involving both the EPO President and Secretary General, providing an opportunity to highlight EPO's role in representing the interests of the European pet sector at EU level, particularly in the context of evolving European legislation and policy discussions affecting pet keeping and the trade in pet animals. The session also underlined the importance of responsible, science-based and proportionate approaches to animal welfare, sourcing and pet keeping, while ensuring that the sector remains actively involved in shaping its own future. Beyond its contribution to the conference programme, EPO's participation provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with industry representatives, exchange perspectives on shared challenges and further strengthen cooperation across the international pet community. EPO warmly thanks the International Pet Conference organisers, PETworldwide and Dähne Verlag, for the invitation and the excellent organisation of this year's event. EPO remains committed to ensuring that the European pet sector has a strong and informed voice in discussions shaping its future, recognising that responsibly sourced animals and responsible pet keeping are at the very heart of a sustainable pet industry. Credit photo: Thomas Goetz
16/10/26
EPO Board Meets to Review Priorities and Activities for the Months Ahead
On September 17th, 2026, EPO held its latest Board meeting online, bringing together all EPO Board members to review the organisation’s ongoing activities and discuss priorities for the months ahead. The meeting provided an important opportunity to take stock of EPO’s work and exchange on current developments affecting the European pet sector. Discussions also focused on EPO’s upcoming activities, membership and partnerships, as well as the organisation’s continued engagement on key EU policy and regulatory files. Regular exchanges within the Board form an important part of EPO’s governance, helping to ensure strategic alignment and close coordination as the organisation continues to strengthen the representation of the pet sector at European level. The meeting brought together EPO’s full Board: Svein A. Fosså (NZB) – President Gerrit Hofstra (Dibevo) – Vice-President Andreas Popper (WKO) – Vice-President Frédéric Amblard (PRODAF) – Vice-President Volker Ennenbach (ZZF) – Treasurer The current Board composition reflects the appointments and renewals agreed at EPO’s 2026 AGM, when Svein A. Fosså and Gerrit Hofstra were reappointed and Volker Ennenbach was elected Treasurer.
17/09/26
EPO to Participate in CIPS 2026 in Guangzhou
The European Pet Organization (EPO) is pleased to announce its participation in the 30th edition of the China International Pet Show (CIPS), which will take place in Guangzhou, China, from 12 to 15 November 2026. As one of the major international meeting points for the global pet industry, CIPS brings together professionals, companies and stakeholders from across the world and provides an important platform for international dialogue, networking and exchange on the developments shaping the future of the pet sector. EPO will be represented at CIPS 2026 by its President, Svein A. Fosså, who has been invited to contribute to several parts of the event programme, as speaker to both the International Pet Industry Convention (CIPIC) and CIPS 2026, while also joining as member the international jury of the CIPS Innovation Award – Small & Exotic Pets Category At a time when the pet sector is increasingly interconnected globally, EPO considers international exchanges of this kind particularly important. They provide opportunities to share expertise, better understand developments across different markets and build stronger links between sector organisations and stakeholders. EPO looks forward to participating in CIPS 2026 and to engaging with colleagues and partners from around the world in Guangzhou this November.
14/09/26
EPO Participates in the 34th CITES Animals Committee Meeting in Geneva
Geneva, 14–18 July 2026: EPO is participating this week in the 34th meeting of the CITES Animals Committee (AC34), reaffirming its commitment to promoting science-based policymaking, sustainable wildlife trade and responsible pet ownership at the international level. EPO is represented by Dr. Matthew Bond (Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association – OATA), representing EPO's UK member, and Nathalie Gamain, EPO Secretary General. Throughout the meeting, EPO will engage with Parties, intergovernmental organisations, scientific experts and fellow observers on a range of issues of strategic importance for the European pet sector. EPO is also pleased to acknowledge the participation of its President, Svein A. Fosså, who is attending the meeting under his capacity as Vice President of Ornamental Fish International (OFI). This year's meeting marks an exceptional milestone: his 26th consecutive year of participation in CITES meetings—highlighting more than two decades of dedication to international conservation and the sustainable trade of ornamental aquatic species. Contributing Expertise to Key Discussions As the voice of the pet sector at European level, EPO has developed a comprehensive position paper addressing several agenda items under discussion during AC34. The organisation will actively follow and contribute to discussions on topics including: The role of CITES in reducing the risk of future zoonotic diseases, supporting continued collaboration between CITES and the One Health Quadripartite partners (WHO, WOAH, FAO and UNEP), while sharing the pet sector's expertise on animal transport standards and responsible trade. Sustainable use of wild species and non-detriment findings (NDFs), including discussions relating to the development of practical and science-based approaches for CITES implementation. Coral conservation and trade, where EPO continues to advocate for balanced, science-based solutions and greater dialogue to address the challenges affecting the ornamental aquatic sector, particularly regarding EU import restrictions on certain Australian coral species. Identification and traceability of CITES-listed species, supporting practical identification tools while encouraging the exploration of alternative marking techniques for small-bodied species such as fish, amphibians and reptiles. Trade in specimens not of wild source, encouraging practical improvements to existing CITES provisions and supporting constructive stakeholder engagement during forthcoming technical discussions. Aquatic species, including coral, seahorses and ranching of aquatic species, where EPO and OFI continue to offer their scientific and technical expertise to support future intersessional work. Conservation of amphibians, where EPO has expressed its willingness to contribute expertise concerning species commonly kept within the responsible pet trade. A Constructive Partner for Science-Based Decision-Making EPO believes that effective implementation of CITES relies on close cooperation between governments, scientists, conservation organisations and responsible industry stakeholders. Representing thousands of businesses across Europe through its national member associations and entities from the pet sector, EPO is committed to contributing practical expertise and scientific knowledge to support conservation objectives while ensuring that international trade remains sustainable, responsible and proportionate. Throughout AC34, EPO will continue to engage constructively with Parties and observers, advocating for evidence-based decisions that support biodiversity conservation, animal welfare and responsible international trade.
16/07/26